Best Management Practicesfor Trapping Opossums in the United States .. - PDF document

Best Management Practicesfor Trapping Opossums in the United States Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies General Considerations When Trapping Opposums€ Double jaw traps should be oriented when set so that an approaching animal willSpecifications of Traps Meeting BMP Criteriafor Opossums in the United StatesAs more capture devices are tested and new information becomes available, theywill be added to an updated list. Mechanical descriptions of tested traps are givenas an aid to trappers or manufacturers who may wish to measure, build or modifytraps to meet these specifications (Figure OP3). Also, other commercially availabletraps, modified traps, or other capture devices not yet tested may perform as wellThe following list is provided for information purposesonly, and does not imply an endorsement of any manufacturer.Average mechanical measurements are rounded to the nearest inch variation in specifications (Figure OP3) on the part of the manufacturer.recognizable names, such as No. 2Ž coil-spring, to identify certaintraps. However, be identified. The performance of anchoring systems was not specifically evaluated,however, methods of attachment are described for informational purposes. 4 OPOSSUM Figure OP2.Double jaw trapsDirection ofapproach Direction ofapproach Inside jaw spread Figure OP3. Coil-spring trapat jaw hinge posts Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United Statesinches Main trap springs: Two 0.125 inch diameter wire coil-springs Distance from trap pan with pan stop to bottom of auxiliary jaw when closed: 1 inchPan stop: Yesbrand or source of modification, although performance information on all other BMPcriteria (see Criteria for Evaluation of Trapping DevicesŽ: Introduction needs to be considered as well. The trap tested was the Woodstream’ Victor No. 1 € Chain attachment used in trap testing: 6 inch center-mounted with two swivels, one€ Selectivity features: Brass pan tension machine screw; pan tension was set so twoafter every capture.€ Special considerations for practicality: Some damage to trap pads should be expectedand will require occasional replacement as a normal part of trap maintenance andjaws. Avoid using petroleum-based dye directly on the rubber pads. This device alsoinches inches Main trap springs: Two 0.131 inch diameter wire coil-springs Distance from trap pan with pan stop to bottom of auxiliary jaw when closed: 1 inchPan stop: Yes 7 7 Figure OP6a.Double jaw paddedtrap (open) Figure OP6b.Double jaw paddedtrap (closed)